When I consider what others have faced this last week it begins to help me put some of my life into correct perspective. Too often I sit back in isolation and have a pity party for one reason or another. Usually the reason is not good…it’s just plain selfishness and “stinkin thinkin.” Let me explain, two families have faced funerals this week and two others are going through hospitalizations. These issues make any problems I face very miniscule. I have observed and noticed that in each case faith is what is getting these families through. Yes, faith…not luck…not money…not good planning…just plain, deep-rooted, white-knuckled, trust God faith.

I am still learning that faith is the absolutely non-negotiable ingredient we must all have in order to make it through everyday life. I think it is awesome how the writer of Hebrews defines faith:

Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Dr. Ron Allchin defines faith as believing God’s Word and acting on it no matter how I feel, knowing that God promises a good result!

When we line things up and make plans A, B, C and D and then have an escape plan just in case everything falls apart, we are operating in our own strength and ingenuity. If things work out then we get the credit. But, if we just trust God and the promises He makes to us in His Word and then do something, then when things happen (no matter what) He gets the credit. By operating our life according to faith others will take note of an awesome God and how He got us through any and every circumstance we face.

So, those who are facing the difficulties walk in God’s promises today. Allow Him to take your hand and lead you through. Wherever He leads it will be just fine!

I can’t begin to tell you how much I love you all. You are precious to God and to me.

Love,

God’s purpose for His Church is to spread the fame of His honor and glory throughout the whole world. It is the Church’s responsibility to make His greatness known in the world in which we live.

⁶Splendor and majesty are before Him,
Strength and beauty are in His sanctuary.
⁷Ascribe to the LORD, O families of the peoples,
Ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
⁸Ascribe to the LORD the glory of His name. (Psalm 96:6-8 NASB)

Nature does this beautifully. The Almighty’s creation shouts unashamedly from the top of its lungs the greatness of its Creator. Read what David wrote,

¹The heavens declare the glory of God;
the skies proclaim the work of his hands.

²Day after day they pour forth speech;
night after night they display knowledge.

³There is no speech or language
where their voice is not heard.

⁴Their voice goes out into all the earth,
their words to the ends of the world.
In the heavens he has pitched a tent for the sun. (Psalm 19:1-3 NIV)

The important question is, “How are we doing at proclaiming the greatness of our Creator?” This is the life-line of the Church; it is what keeps us connected to God. When we cease from doing this we no longer have a reason for existing.

Another question just begging to be answered is, “How do we spread the fame of God’s honor and glory in the world?” Specifically I believe we need to answer that question in light of Calvary Baptist, “How can Calvary spread the fame of God’s honor and glory in our world?” or, “Are we making His greatness know in our neighborhoods?”

I believe one way we spread the honor of God’s greatness is by obeying the commission He gave us in Matthew 28:18-20 (cf. Acts 1:8). This lays out, at least in part, God’s Vision for Calvary g Spreading the fame of God’s honor through reaching the lost with the gospel.

I Love this Place,

The last conversation we have with someone is very important. I remember the last “talk” I had with Dad and even the last words he said to me and I said to him…”I love you.” These are important to me; something I will never forget. As I was thinking about this, my mind wandered (not surprised?) to the last words of Jesus to His closest followers—His disciples.

All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age. (Matthew 28:18-29 NASB)

These words not just for His disciples “back then”; they are also words for His disciples “right now.” Historically we call them the great commission. It’s what was in Jesus’ heart for His Church to do while He is away. Call them final instructions…the master plan…the play book…or whatever. We cannot and must not get away from them. The great commission is what Jesus expects us to do; these words are not an option, they are obligation!

Impacting lives for eternity was such an important responsibility for the Church that just before Jesus ascended to heaven He gathered His disciples together one more time and said,

You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NASB)

These words from Jesus provide the backdrop for God’s vision for Calvary. I will unfold this vision next week.

Grace & Peace,